It was in a packed theatre on the LSE campus that DA leader Mmusi Maimane addressed a 400 strong crowd on the subject of Protecting South Africa’s Fragile Democracy. Introduced by the Chair, Professor Tim Allen, Maimane began by greeting those present in four languages and expressed a humble gratitude for the opportunity to speak. He … Continue reading Mmusi Maimane and South Africa’s Democracy
Dear Neighbour
Upon waking this morning I noticed a card that had been shoved under our front door overnight. Given that it had to be one of our neighbours who’d done this I found it strange they didn’t hand it over personally. I then remembered that this is England and over December there was an awkward exchange … Continue reading Dear Neighbour
Learning the Rail Ropes
Commuting is one of those things one cannot get away from. Unless you want to share a shoebox with 8 other people (and probably a fox) or have more money than the Sultan of Brunei, living in the city in London has been moved to my unrealistic dreams list, along with being able to fly. … Continue reading Learning the Rail Ropes
Being English
This week marks eight years since I boarded an airplane and departed my homeland with a one way ticket. I’d packed a suitcase, but had no real plan. I recall sitting in Windhoek airport, having booked a cheap flight on Air Namibia, being amazed at how small their international terminal was. I watched my last … Continue reading Being English
Je Suis Cecil
This morning I received an interesting office wide email sent by a colleague. Someone had left a meaty item in a fridge on another floor and it had leaked bloody juices all over other people’s chilled goods. The concise mail explained the situation, confirmed the rescue of the other food and the relocation of the offending item. The … Continue reading Je Suis Cecil
Meet South Africa
Tourism South Africa hosted an event in Soho last night. Promoting South Africa as a holiday destination the event, titled Meet South Africa, celebrated the unique qualities of Mzansi as well as offering a digital taste of home.Walking into the venue the first thing I noticed was the unmistakable smell of bunnychow. The delicious dish … Continue reading Meet South Africa
A funny thing happened at the supermarket
I am not to be trusted in the supermarket. I seem incapable of only buying what I need. It's a budgetary risk stepping through those automatic doors. Some kind of strange instinct comes over me as soon as I have a basket in my hand and I need everything. Last night, taking the chance of shopping … Continue reading A funny thing happened at the supermarket
A Class of our Own
January is usually a difficult month. In the North its cold, grey, wet and a sobering experience following the festive season. Having been in a more tropical climate in December I was finding adjusting back into a regular routine just that little bit more challenging. Luckily my friend Julie had bought some tickets for a … Continue reading A Class of our Own
Toto, We’re not in Kansas Anymore
Checking in to our Philippine Airways flight last month, my friends and I were excited. Our long anticipated adventure was about to begin.For most of 2014 we had been talking about our friends' wedding taking place in Baguio, a mountain city to the north of the capital Manila. Tickets booked since May and hotel secured … Continue reading Toto, We’re not in Kansas Anymore
The Bone Cave of Kabayan – Part 1
I recently returned from a two week adventure in the Philippines. Some friends and I flew over to the mountain city of Baguio to attend and celebrate the wedding of some lovely friends. None of us had been over there before so for the first week our excitement was palpable. There are so many stories … Continue reading The Bone Cave of Kabayan – Part 1